FORT PIERCE — A $4.3 million wind mitigation grant from the Florida Division of Emergency Management will help protect six city-owned buildings against storm damage.

City Commissioners approved acceptance of the grant, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation grant program project, at their July 1 meeting.

Large object impact-resistant glazing for windows and doors will be installed at the city's police headquarters, 920 S. U.S. 1; the public works compound — including parks facilities, the streets and drainage building, administration and garage, and the solid waste operations center — at 52 Savanna Road; and River Walk Center, 600 N. Indian River Drive.

Two generators will be installed to ensure backup power for communications during emergencies: a 230-kilowatt unit at police headquarters and a 450-kilowatt unit in City Hall, 100 N. U.S. 1.

The old St. Anastasia School — 110 N. 10th Street, constructed in 1914 — and the old City Hall — now the City Hall Annex, at 215 Avenue A — will receive additional protection because of their historic status.

Wind protection may also include materials for skylights, vents and exhaust fans.

The new glazing will free up first responders from dealing with storm shutters on support facilities, shortening preparation time and reducing utilities costs, according to Jon Ward, director of the Department of Urban Redevelopment.

At the old St. Anastasia School, the grant will cover repairs to concrete columns, Ward stated in a memo to Mayor Linda Hudson and commissioners concerning the St. Anastasia School and old City Hall.

The grant covers all costs for work with no local matching funds required, but Ward pointed out the projects need to be complete by February 2014.

City staff requested an expedited permitting process, Ward stated.

An independent consultant is helping with the bidding process and acquiring preliminary approval from the State Historic Preservation Officer for the historic structures.